Step plate



C. F. ECKLER Feb. 26 1924.

STEP PLATE Filed July 1 3.922

INVEN'TOR CHfl/PLEJ F. EC/fLEH ATTORNEY Patented Feb, 26, 1924,

CHARLES F. ECKLER, OF. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA.

STEP PLATE.

Application filed July 1,

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that 1, CHARLES F. Eonnnn, a citizen of the United States, residing at Indianapolis, in the county of Marion and State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Step Plates, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in step plates and is designed primarily for use in connection with automobiles and similar vehicles, the prime feature of the invention being the provision of a plate or frame adapted to be secured over a rubber or other form of pad and then connected in any suitable manner to the running board of the vehicle for holding the pad in position.

A further feature of the invention is the provision, in connection with the frame, of means for cleaning the soles of the shoes of excess mud or the like before applying the shoes to the cleaning pad.

A further feature of the invention is the provision, in connection with the sole cleaning mechanism, of means for removing dirt or the like from the edges of the soles of the shoes.

And a further feature of the invention is the provision of a toe plate or shield for protecting the sides of the vehicle adjacent the step plate.

Other objects and advantages will be hereinafter more fully set forth and pointed out in the accompanying specification.

In the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 is a detail perspective view of the running board of an automobile showing a step plate thereon,

Figure 2 is a top plan View of the step plate,

Figure 3 is a front elevation thereof,

Figure a is a sectional view as seen on line l4, Figure 2, and

Figure 5 is a detail perspective view of the shoe cleaning portion of the step plate.

Referring to the drawings, 1 indicates the running board of an automobile or similar vehicle which may be of any preferred construction, and 2 indicates a part of the side wall of the vehicle.

In order to properly remove soil or other foreign particles from the soles of the shoe before entering the vehicle, a step plate is attached to the running board comprising a pad 3, preferably of rubber or similar material, having its upper face ribbed so that by drawing the foot across the pad the soles 1922. Serial No. 572,243.

of the shoes will be properly cleaned of any foreign particles. Su "rounding the edges of the pad 3 is a frame 4, preferably of metal, the edges ofthe pad 3 having extensions 5 which project under and fit in recesses 6 in the under face of the frame 4, the thickness of the extensions being such that when the frame l is properly secured to the running board 1, the pad will be securely locked within the frame.

To prevent the toe of the shoe striking against the side face of the vehicle body, a toe plate or shield 7 is extended upwardly from the inner edge of the frame 4: so that the toe of the shoe, when being moved over the face of the pad 3, will strike said shield and not come in contact with any part of the vehicle, this also being true when entering or leaving the vehicle. Formed on the outer edgeof the frame f is a scraper plate 8 which is preferably formed integral with the frame and is spaced from the edge of the frame so that when the shoe is drawn over the scra )er the soil removed therefrom will readily pass between the scraper and the edge of the frame, the scraper being preferably provided with a reinforcing rib 9 at its longitudinal center.

In the event of an accumulation of soil at the edges of the soles of the shoe or upon the heel of the shoe notches 10 are formed in the upper edge of the scraper plate 8, preferably on opposite sides of the rib 9, said notches being preferably inclined and so constructed that they will provide vertical shoulders 11, which when the shoe is entered in one of the notches and moved inwardly or outwardly will scrape the edges of the sole or heel of the shoe and remove any soil which may be adhering thereto.

The step plate is secured to the running board in any suitable manner, as by means of screws 12, which are preferably countersunk so as not to project above the face of the frame, through which they extend, and as the scraper plate 8 has its upper edge terminating substantially flush with the upper face of the frame at there will be no.

projections to interfere with the placing of the foot upon the step plate and there will be no parts projecting so as to catch on the garments of the occupant of the vehicle when entering or alighting from the same.

By constructing the step plate in the manner shown, the frame and parts associated therewith, may be constructed of aluminum or similar light material Without detracting from its strength and durability, and by constructing the pad and frame in the man ner shown the pad Will be securely held in position on the running board when the frame is properly secured thereover.

Having thus fully described my said invention, What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters latent, is:

In a stepplate, a frame, a scraper plate at one edge of said frame and spaced therefrom to provide an opening, said scraper plate having notches in the upper edge there-- of forming vertical shoulders for engagement with the edges of the soles of shoes 15 when moved over the scraper plate, the top edge of said plate and the top end ofisaid shoulders terminating flush with the top face of said frame.

In Witness whereofl-I have hereunto set 20 my hand and seal at Indianapolis, Indiana, this 16th day of June, A.'D. nineteen hundred and twenty-two.

CHARLES E. semi 3n, a SQ J Witnesses:

CAREY S. FRYE, M. L. SHULER. 

